Multiplayer
is the way to go as the single player isn't all that.
by
Mike Chasselwaite

May
29, 2006 - Based
on the Japanese version of Monster Hunter G, Monster
Hunter Freedom is about as close as we are going to
come to experiencing this game that was previously
unreleased in North America. As much as I liked the
original Monster Hunter, this version could have stayed
on the other side of the ocean and got its ass kicked
by Godzilla for all I care.

Monster
Hunter Freedom is not a bad game but what's really
disappointing is that it should be great. There were
some problems with the original and some of those
bugs have been fumigated, but some, like the quirky
online play, were jettisoned rather than repaired.
While you can play against three other players in
the multi-player mode, it's restricted to localized
ad hock. What are the chances that you're going to
find three other friends with a copy of this game?
That wouldn't even be a concern online. Other elements
that conspire to interfere with your enjoyment include
an overly-touchy camera system that requires constant
fiddling, lack of a lock-on targeting system and the
inability to swap weapons in real time. Other than
that, the game can be fun if you're up for the challenge.

Don't
expect much of a story. You don't really need one.
The premise will set you up nicely and you can take
if from there. The game takes place in a prehistoric/fantasy
era where you will encounter various dinosaurs, dragons,
giant insects and other mutated creatures including
a race of cat people that will assist you for a fee.
You are a highly advanced prehistoric knight of sorts.
Selecting different shaped heads, body types, sex,
hairstyles, outfits, weapons and armor you create
your own customized character that you can continue
to customize or level-up throughout the game. By taking
up residence in the village you will embark on various
hunting and gathering missions to not only earn a
living but to make a name for yourself as a great
warrior.

There
are shops in the village where you will be able to
buy armor and weapons or sell some of the plants,
herbs and monster eggs that you collect during your
adventures. The chief will offer you various missions
that fall under one of two categories: Hunting or
gathering. Hunting involves tracking down specific
monsters that the chief wants you to kill. You might
even be required to bring in some proof that you successfully
carried out the deed. A variety of weapons can be
used to accomplish the task such as swords, spears,
clubs and a crossbow. The weapons will need to be
upgraded as you progress to take on more powerful
beasts. If you don't have the money to purchase them
outright, and they can be expensive, you are encouraged
to craft them on your own. You'll end up with more
powerful weapons and armor for less money.

Hunting
the monsters requires that you track them down through
various environments which include forests, jungles,
swamps, rocky hills and barren wastelands. You will
have to dodge giant swishing tails, beating wings
and fire-breathing behemoths. When battling most of
the huge monsters you have to find their vulnerable
spots which are usually under their legs. The soft
underbelly is a good place to target and this area
can help keep you somewhat safe from the previously
mentioned attacks. The monster movements are smooth
and fluid but unpredictable as well. They don't follow
patterns like your average boss. They react to the
immediate threat. Unfortunately there is a slight
delay with the weapon attack. I imagine this is to
replicate the massive weight of the weapons, but it
prevents you from getting a rhythm going.

Button
mashing and hacking and slashing give way to a more
controlled battle system, but unfortunately the added
control just impedes the action. Attacks are accessed
by pressing the circle and triangle buttons instead
of the analog stick as on the console version. When
you get a few good hits in you will activate combos.
These combos continue even when the monster has changed
position. You can't stop the combos immediately. The
fact that there is no auto-lock on your attacks means
that you'll often be swinging blindly, and you can't
just put the brakes on and change position.

You
can't change weapons in the field either. You have
to go back to the village to do that. The camera is
controlled by the D-pad. Press up and down or from
side to side to swing the camera 360-degrees. You
will constantly be messing with the camera to retain
the proper perspective which diverts your attention
from the gameplay. These elements weren't very well
thought out.

Gathering,
or collecting, is a good source of revenue which can
be used to upgrade your character, but it can be kind
of boring. You can collect various items in the same
places that you hunt or you can head to a farm where
you can collect lumber, fish, tend to a garden and
mine ore. With the money that you make you can arrange
for the cat people to cook up some wickedly good meals
for you that will increase your overall stats.

The
environments are excellent looking. The monsters and
the animation of the various creatures are also top
shelf. The overall production values are great and
even the multi-player modes are extremely well done
even if they aren't available for online play.

As
a Monster Hunter fan I was expecting a lot more, but
if this is your first introduction to the series,
without any preconceived notions, you might enjoy
it more than I did.

Features:

Challengers
take on a variety of quests and conquer larger than
life beasts either alone or with the aid of others.

Building
upon Monster Hunter and Monster Hunter G (both on
PS2), Monster Hunter Freedom includes new missions,
additional features and content adapted for the
PSP system.

Adventurers
are now free to take their epic battles with them
wherever they go, as they explore a unique world
inhabited by ferocious monsters and become mighty
hunters in this exciting action game.

With
a multitude of missions, quests, characters, weapons
and more, the variety is virtually limitless.

The
game features both enhanced single player campaigns
as well as multiplayer missions via the PSP system's
ad hoc wireless mode which allows up to four friends
to band together for intense battles.

Fully
customizable characters - from the hairstyle to
a new and powerful dual-edged sword.

Become
a treasure hunter in a two-player co-op game collect
and deliver treasures in this fast paced timed game.